WESPIESER, Howard Francis

Hampton Funeral Home and Cremation, Prescott, Arizona Howard Francis Wespieser Howard was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1924. He recalled spending his childhood helping his Grandfather, a baker, deliver bread to needy families after hours. He left home at 17 and joined the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific during WWII, surviving a Kamikaze attack to his ship. He was decorated for jumping over board to save an injured sailor. Following the war, he put himself through college and settled in California, which he had fallen in love with while he had been stationed there. He married Eleanor Sherman in 1952 and settled in the Bay area working as a Probation Officer for juvenile offenders. He later served as Director of a mental health facility. He and Eleanor adopted two children, Krista and Mark. They finally landed in Sacramento where Howard became a Professor of Sociology at UC Sacramento. They retired in San Diego and cared for Eleanor's elderly mother. Later, they moved to Prescott to be closer to family. Howard spent his retirement volunteering at Embry Riddle working on simulators. He also volunteered for the Forest Service and was a docent at several local museums. He spent his life in service to others. He was selfless and caring, always willing to help. The world is a much better place because of Howard Wespieser. Thank you God for Blessing us all. ~~~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Saturday, May 04, 2013 Howard was born in Holyoke, Mass., in 1924. He recalled spending his childhood helping his grandfather, a baker, deliver bread to needy families after hours. He left home at 17 and joined the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific during WWII, surviving a kamikaze attack to his ship. He was decorated for jumping overboard to save an injured sailor. Following the war, he put himself through college and settled in California, which he had fallen in love with while he had been stationed there. He married Eleanor Sherman in 1952 and settled in the Bay area working as a probation officer for juvenile offenders. He later served as director of a mental health facility. He and Eleanor adopted two children, Krista and Mark. They finally landed in Sacramento where Howard became a professor of sociology at UC Sacramento. They retired in San Diego and cared for Eleanor's elderly mother. Later, they moved to Prescott, Ariz., to be closer to family. Howard spent his retirement volunteering at Embry-Riddle working on simulators. He also volunteered for the Forest Service and was a docent at several local museums. He spent his life in service to others. He was selfless and caring, always willing to help. The world is a much better place because of Howard Wespieser. Thank you God for blessing us all. Hampton Funeral Home assisted the family with final arrangements. Information provided by survivors.